PRELIMINARY REPORT: MERIDIANS SUFFER ENGINE FAILURES

Piper PA-46-500TP, Port Mansfield, Texas, Oct. 29, 2010–The pilot told investigators that just after gear retraction on a Part 91 flight from Charles Johnson Airport, the Meridian’s engine sputtered and quit, forcing him to fly under power lines and attempt to land in a semi-open field. The left wing struck a tree, spinning the turboprop single 180 degrees before it came to a stop, substantially damaged. The ATP-rated pilot and two passengers were uninjured.

Piper PA-46-500TP, Olathe, Kan, Oct. 21, 2010–The Meridian experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff on a post-maintenance test flight from Johnson County Executive Airport (OLC). The pilot told investigators he was able to restore power after selecting the manual override lever. He arrested the turboprop single’s descent at a height of approximately 50 feet and landed safely at OLC.